To the Editor:

This month, the Rotary Club of Oxford-Ole Miss and Interfaith Compassion Ministry officially kick off The Christmas Store — a community-wide endeavor in its 42nd year of service providing children in Oxford and Lafayette County gifts during the Christmas season.

The Oxford-University community support has been outstanding, both in terms of monetary and in-kind donations, as well as volunteer participation. Our goal this year is to provide more than 600 eligible kids with books and toys.

Last year, Rotarians and our community donated more than $22,000, which provided two age-appropriate books, two toys and fruit for each of the 539 children from 204 families eligible to participate. Also, the Lafayette County Literacy Council registered 23 children for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, enabling each to receive a free book until age five.

We are honored to receive the wonderful financial support of local businesses and individual sponsors, as well as the many volunteers who help shop, sort and wrap toys — Y’all know who you are and we appreciate you so much.

Taking part in making the Christmas season special for a child is a very rewarding experience and we look forward to everyone’s continued support during the next few months.

Applications are available at ICM (1918 University Ave., next to Fred’s Discount Store) or at the Oxford Housing Authority office located at C.B. Webb Townhouses (900 Molly Barr Road). Information on volunteering is available by contacting oxfordchristmasstore@gmail.com or by calling 662-259-7150. The deadline for receiving applications for processing is no later than Nov. 17.

Sincerely,

Ryan Niemeyer

President

Rotary Club of Oxford-Ole Miss